It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.
A tight chimney seal and waterproofing chimney is the best prevention for water damage into your home. Over time, concrete grout and brick will open up and allow rain water to enter the chimney and fireplace. Waterproofing chimney costs are minimal compared to the damage avoided. A chimney seal is your best defense for water damage.
This water will do substantial damage to the framing and structure of your living areas if not checked and stopped. A chimney inspection by a qualified and honest chimney company will uncover areas that can create issues in the near future.
Degraded grout and brick allow water to enter the chimney cap area. Chimney seal is the key.
Water penetration can wreak havoc on chimneys, leading to a variety of telltale signs indicating deterioration. Understanding these symptoms can help in addressing issues before they escalate into significant problems.
1. Degrading Mortar Joints
One of the initial indicators of water damage is the weakening of mortar joints. When mortar starts to decay, it loses its binding strength, potentially causing bricks to become loose and unstable.
2. Spalling Bricks
Spalling occurs when bricks start to flake, chip, or crumble. This happens because water infiltration causes masonry materials to expand and contract. Over time, this stresses the surface, leading to visible deterioration.
3. Cracks in the Chimney
Cracking is another common sign. Look for visible cracks in the chimney structure, as they can allow more water to seep in, worsening the situation. Addressing these cracks early can prevent further damage.
4. Chipping Masonry
Chipping or breaking off of masonry pieces is a clear sign of neglect and water-related damage. This not only affects the chimney’s functionality but also its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Regular maintenance and inspections can identify these issues early, ensuring your chimney remains safe and effective for years to come.
How is it fixed?
Elbow grease is required to dig out the old cracked and dried grout. Repointing the chimney with new grout and fixing any broken or chipped bricks solves the water problem. After all of the entrances of water are blocked, the entire structure is waterproofed with a coating designed to last upwards of 10 years. Waterproofing chimney structures is a wise investment for your home.
A well done chimney seal will last for a decade or more. During your annual chimney sweep inspection, any issues with water or cracks will be corrected. This includes the chimney flashing area also. Water finds its way into any small openings, even if they are not obvious.
Recently, the requests for chimney services near me on social media networks has surged. Why? Social proof and testimonials to assure trust.
We receive many stories of projects half completed and money wasted on up front advances. Burner phones used to disguise a shaky company. However, calls go unanswered and projects are left with little or no successful completions.
An honest trustworthy chimney sweep company will always get rave reviews and repeat customers year after year. Chimney services near me is one of the top requested searches in our industry. This is due to the cell phone GPS systems that allow local companies to pop up on the browsers of a customer phone.
Testimonials are the best way to research a company in the chimney industry. Therefore, don’t just check the company webpage. Check out Yelp Clear Chimney Reviews and Google Clear Chimney for reviews.
Google reviews provide an extra layer of protection for your investment.
What do people search for in chimney services?
First, the other terms we see are chimney cleaning near me, chimney repairs near me and chimney services near me. Secondly, since we are in the Knoxville TN area, our customers routinely see our ads. Finally, the research and testimonials start to matter.
Our customers or potential customers want to sleep well at night knowing their investment in their chimney and fireplace or stove is safe as money gets tighter. Social media allows this to happen quite easily. We are often mentioned on the Facebook boards in our town. For instance, it is like a town hall meeting with opinions, thumbs up and down and questions. Folks love to give their opinion. This is the backbone of social media.
In conclusion, we were always taught the cream rises to the top. Therefore, let Clear Chimney be your cream in your largest investment – your home. Here is how to call us in the Knoxville TN are.
